The oil producing Unity state, South Sudan, is experiencing acute sky-rocketing prices of consumer commodities and fuel, and scarcity of some food items. Since the shooting of traders in Abiemnom, prices have risen dramatically as the border crossing has been closed.

Abiemnom, in Unity, borders Sudan’s troubled South Kordofan state. The Chamber of Commerce in the Rubkoni area told Radio Tamazuj, that it has been difficult for traders to find alternative supply routes because of poor roads.

Traders attributed the problems to insecurity in the state since eight Sudanese traders were killed in Abiemnom county, subsequent closure of the Sudan-South Sudan border a week ago, and heavy taxes imposed by the authorities at the checkpoints.

The State Standard and Metrology Authority take SSP 1 in each carton, the head of traders explained.

A sack of sugar fluctuates between SSP 370 and SSP 380 and a sack of onions reached SSP 1,500 whereas a barrel of petrol costs SSP 3,000, the head of the Chamber of Commerce said.

Previously the Unity state government confirmed its keenness to provide protection to the Sudanese traders on the borders reassuring the people that the security is normal.

The border with Sudan has been closed for most of South Sudan’s independence, but relations improved this year leading to many border points being opened, making it easier for traders to import goods from north of the border.

File photo: South Sudan's Unity state borders Sudan's South Kordofan, with Abiemnom in northern Unity.